Two of the most enduring superstars, Kamal and Rajni have veered off their comfort zone. They probably feel it’s payback time. It’s not as if they’re trying to cling on to limelight: their films are still eagerly looked forward to even as they’ve reluctantly started playing their age, on-screen. The fervour that a Rajni release arouses is still unmatched and Kamal’s faithful fans know there will be moments of movie magic, always. ‘En vazhi thani vazhi’(my path is unique) is a dialogue Rajni mouthed in ‘Padayappa’. This was a phase when his films were loaded with political innuendo. The line suits Kamal more because he consistently chose the path less trodden, in cinema. He could have chosen a dozen pot-boilers after the monster hit ‘Sakala Kala Vallavan’ but floored everyone with ‘Sagara Sangamam’ a little later. Of course, there would be insipid fare like ‘Andha Oru Nimidam’ and ‘Kadhal Parisu’ but he never let his career drown in the morass of mediocrity. Rajni meanwhile became a puppet to his fans. His popularity soared at the cost of his artistic freedom. He could no longer afford to do films like ‘Mullum Malarum’ and Arulirundhu Aruvadhu Varai’ where he showed flashes of brilliance.
I first interviewed Kamal and Rajni on consecutive days just before Deepavali, 1980. The talk then, in hushed tones was that an unkempt Kannadiga, a former bus conductor who could not speak Tamil straight had dethroned the talented, fair local, Kamal. Ironically the film that catapulted Rajni to the top, ‘Dharma Yuddham’ was directed by RC Shakti, Kamal’s chum. ‘Billa’ consolidated his position and there was no looking back.
Kamal , till recently has always been politically correct. Rajni unwittingly entered the fray in 1996 when he declared even God would not be able to save TN if Jayalalitha was voted back to power. Many feel this single statement helped rout Jaya though some think he just echoed popular sentiment at that time. The lady did not react, but Rajni’s subsequent films had whistle eliciting dialogues about how women should behave. That particular election was seen as a golden opportunity for Rajni to enter the political fray but he dithered and kept procrastinating till recently. He eventually made peace with her even calling her a ‘Kohinoor diamond’ later. The pre release problems Kamal faced with ‘Vishwaroopam’ made him realise it was orchestrated and personal. The common perception is that Kamal failed to speak up when Jayalalitha was alive but he refused to prostrate before her as urged by many if he wanted his film released. He took the legal route and emerged triumphant which is more praiseworthy. I don’t know what exactly triggered his decision to enter the political fray, though.
He was probably goaded by the ruling party which kept saying it’s easy to hurl accusations from outside. Kamal has never baulked from a challenge.
Kamal and Rajni have little in common. I believe their friendship is based more on mutual respect which has grown over the years. They did share an uneasy equation in the eighties fuelled by vested interests. K. Balaji the late producer who made many films with both told me there was a skirmish at a party he hosted with Kamal punching a drunken Rajni after an unsavoury uttering. Balaji who was respected by both brokered peace.
Age and maturity has fermented a relationship that’s the envy of many today. Their approach to politics has been different too. While Rajni has been reticent Kamal is forthright. He’s no longer politically correct, ironically. Their intentions are honourable without doubt. The road ahead is unenviable. Sadly, good intentions are not enough and unlike films you cannot vanquish the villains alone. Time will tell whether the fans who bought tickets at the box-office will stain their fingers at the ballot-box? The timing is right with a huge political vacuum and the disgruntled public seeking a change.
Personally, as a selfish, ardent admirer I would like Kamal to lose the elections and get back to doing what he does like few others can, acting.
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